El Clasico is the name given to any football match between Spanish football clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. El Clasico is considered to be one of the biggest football matches in club football other than UEFA Champions League final. The term was earlier used only for matches in Spanish Championship, but now is used for every match between the two clubs in every competition they play in.
The match between the two clubs is one of the most watched annual sporting events with weeks of anticipations, expectations and predictions before the actual day of the game. The game is known for its style, intensity, rivalry, competitiveness, and the star players. Over the years, the two clubs have attracted the best in the footballing world. Starting from Alfredo Di Stefano in the 1950s, the two clubs have featured Brazilian Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Lionel Messi, Luis Figo, Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry, Johan Cruyff, Rivaldo, Xavi, among others. The list is filled with FIFA best Player award winners, Ballon d’ Or winner and it is endless.
Real Madrid leads in the head-to-head match results in competitive games with 97 wins to Barcelona’s 96. The two clubs along with Athletic Bilbao are the only clubs in La Liga to have never been relegated to lower divisions.
Why the rivalry?
The rivalry between the two of the richest, successful and one of the most valued sports teams in the world, comes out of two opposing political ideologies representing two different cities.
During the regime of Dictator Franco, most of the Barcelona residents were in opposition to the fascist regime under General Franco. Franco was also a supporter of Real Madrid which made the Barcelona football club a representation of Catalan resistance.
Real Madrid has always been associated with Spanish nationalism and conservatism. The supporters of Real Madrid are generally considered to be supporters of right wing ideas. The club is considered as “the establishment club” for most of the Catalans. On the other hand, Barcelona represents Catalan nationalism. Barcelona’s motto Mes que un Club in English means more than a club, identifying itself with the Catalan nationalists and progressive beliefs. The supporters of Barcelona tend to be supporters of progressive beliefs, left-wing ideology and federal structure of Spain. The club is considered as “the rebellious club”.
